Earlier this month, their school food champion gave a presentation to staff and peers, presenting the improvements they’ve made, from new and healthier food options to a more welcoming canteen space.
Councillor John Spence, Essex County Councillor's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said: “Working closely with schools is key in helping children access healthy foods and learn about healthy lifestyles too.
“We are proud to see six of our schools take leadership in this space through their involvement in the national, student-led Bite Back School programme. Due to its success so far, we have committed additional funds for them to continue to develop their projects. We look forward to seeing what they get up to over the course of the year.”
Bite Back in Schools is a youth-led programme that empowers students to take action in making school food healthier and fairer.
Andy Rayment, programmes manager of Bite Back, added: “Working with The Gilberd School through the Bite Back in Schools programme has been a brilliant example of what’s possible when young people are given the tools to lead change. From the initial assembly to the school food champion’s social action project, the school embraced every stage of the process, and the impact has been clear.
“We’ve seen a more engaged student body, meaningful shifts in the school food culture, and a real appetite for lasting change. We’d love to see more schools across Essex take this step and join the Bite Back in Schools programme next year.”